The Ministry Of The Word Of God

The Psalms

“Out of the depths,” gives a picture of one separated from any help or comfort, like one in prison or one who has fallen into a pit, whose cries are unheard or ignored from any other human being (v. 1). There are times when any saint can find themselves in this situation, even because of one’s faith. In this situation the psalmist cries out to the LORD to hear his voice (v. 2). Every soul needs to also be brought face to face with their lost condition. We all suffer from a sinful condition such that none of us can stand in His presence with any confidence of our own (v. 3 Cf. Pss. 53:1-3; 143:2; Mal. 3:2; Rom. 3:9-20; Rev. 6:17). The good news is that with the LORD there is forgiveness that He may be feared (v. 4 Cf. Ps. 103:3; Lk. 7:49; Eph. 2:4-5). The guilty cannot be cleared without forgiveness (Cf. Ex. 34:7; Neh. 9:17; Ps. 86:5; Is. 55:7; Dan. 9:9; Jer. 33:8-9).

The LORD hears, forgives, and acts on behalf of His people (Cf. I Kgs. 8:39-40). There is only one reason why the psalmist has this hope, because the LORD has spoken. He waits on the LORD because His hope is in His word (v. 5). Without the word there would be no knowledge of salvation, and therefore no hope (Cf. Ps. 119:81). There is hope when one waits on the LORD (Cf. Ps. 27:14). It is a sure hope worth watching for (v. 6 Cf. Ps. 119:147). The idea of one looking intently in the morning also coveys the idea of looking for that which is first in one’s order of priorities for the day. It is also worthy of crying out to the church that with the LORD there is mercy and abundant redemption to be found (v. 7 Cf. Ps. 86:15). Repentance and faith is all that is required (Cf. Is. 55:7). The LORD has made a covenantal commitment to His own (v. 8 Cf. Lk. 1:68).